NBA, Enugu and a Conference Like No Other

Malachy Agbo

By this time last year, no one in Enugu State had envisaged that the state will play host to the elite Nigeria Bar Association’s 2025 Annual General Conference. But fortune favours the bold. Indeed, bold is a word that aptly captures Governor Peter Mbah’s ambitious goal to make Enugu the “conferencing capital of Africa”.

So, once the announcement pronouncing Enugu as the new venue for the NBA Conference was made, it was a case of what happens when preparedness meets opportunity.

The choice of Enugu was necessitated by the decision to move the venue out of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The underpinnings are now history. But the reality was that within four months of that surprise announcement, the 26th AGC became a reality. The Enugu option worked because the city was ready to absorb over 20,000 lawyers.  

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, acknowledged this fact when he said that Enugu was a befitting venue for the theme of the conference, “Stand Out, Stand Tall”. “Enugu is the capital of the South East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace. That was why wae chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving from Port Harcourt,” he said.

Like one of the Igbo proverbs would say that obodo adironma bu uru ndi nze this may be difficult to translate exactly, literarily means that a community is not at peace is to the benefit of the leaders. Since the end of the conference on the 29th of August, 2025, many people in Enugu State are counting their gains and blessings. Some analysts estimate that economic activities during the seven-day period generated over N7b (Seven billion naira) in trade and services. 

Once the announcement was made, a bazaar of sorts ensued in the state. All the hotels within and close to the metropolis were fully booked. The intense demand resulted in hotels and apartments increasing their room rates by as much as over 50 percent. Rates hovered between N50,000 to N100,000 and even more per night. Still, as the date drew nearer, the surge became palpable and economics of demand and supply set in, necessitating some unfinished hotels to fast track their works to accommodate the visiting lawyers and sundry associates. The initial worry was whether there were enough rooms to absorb the number. But eventually, everyone that visited during that period secured a room. There’s no doubt about this: the hotel operators wished it never ended; it seemed Christmas came early for them. 

The restaurants and bars in the city were not left out in the frenzy. Some had to hire more staff to meet burgeoning demands. As one set of customers were leaving, others were walking in. One major constant indicator was the enthusiasm among the visitors to relish the Enugu delicacies – nkwobi, ishi ewu, abacha, ugba and okpa. Many people took the recipe home, planning to replicate the enjoyment in their various homes and families. 

Even though the mammy market was a make-shift facility to cater to the needs of lawyers within the precincts of Okpara Square, it was really a market in every sense. There was no closing time. The chairs were always occupied, as hands repeatedly hauled food from simmering pots and food coolers to plates. The market was saturated with assorted drinks, and the weather was clement throughout. Similarly, all the popular eateries were swarmed from evening time till late in the night. Once you had a location, people visited and repeated. It wasn’t surprising though, because Enugu has a teeming number of restaurants reputed for their specialties and tantalising dishes that leave customers literally spoiled for choice. 

It was no different for cab operators, as they steadily chauffeured people from their hotels to the Enugu International Conference Center, and to various destinations of their choice. Many also used the opportunity to visit friends and relatives who live in Enugu. Even commercial tricycle operators were very busy. Many lawyers chose to explore the city sitting in a “Keke” as they meandered through inner city streets – not for lack of fund, but for the thrill and fun. Many relished the breezy, open air experience of commercial tricycles, especially in the evenings and at night.  

In the same vein, the inter-state transport sector also experienced the windfall. Many transport companies smiled to the bank too. As the land transport was patronised, so too were the airlines. Many even increased their fares and frequency to Enugu to tap into the opportunity. 

The ancillary service sector cashed out as well. Virtually all the fuel stations in the city experienced a surge in sales. Both the visiting commuters, taxi drivers, Keke and small buses were making rapid shuttles and were refilling their tanks to meet demands. Within seven days, most of the fuel stations exhausted their stock and restocked at nights – a deliberate policy to ease traffic. 

As the conference was ongoing, many lawyers used the opportunity to visit their loved ones. Those who had been postponing their visit to friends and families, the conference offered great opportunity for them. Some old classmates re-united. In such visits, cash exchanged hands. 

Telecommunication sector was also busy. The surge in telecommunication consumption kept the operators busy in order to ensure that call drops were minimal. The social media was awash with real-time streaming and other posts. Many who could not make it physically to Enugu followed the event via social media. From Facebook to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, Tik Tok, etc, there was a regular stream of content from Enugu.

The list of the direct beneficiaries is endless. But the import of the seven-day influx of guests was a foretold vision that crystalised into reality. Enugu was prepared for such huge conference. According to Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government of Dr. Peter Mbah had strategically prepared Enugu to host conferences like that of the NBA and many others.

“The Enugu State Government under Dr. Peter Mbah, in its design and thinking around tourism, hospitality, and economic growth, had already factored in most of what you are seeing in preparation right now. Even without the NBA’s plan to come, we had already started planning what would happen if the NBA came here, if the Nigerian Society of Engineers came here, or others,” he stated.

Onyia also recounted some developments that had earlier enhanced Enugu’s capacity to host an event such as this: Enugu Air that was commissioned few weeks ago; the launch of 100 CNG buses and five modern transport terminals; the reconstructed and revamped Hotel Presidential unveiled days before the NBA conference; and other significant projects. “We want to ensure that when people come here, they move around easily, feel safe, and even love to live here. We are grateful to the NBA for choosing Enugu and believe that they will have a memorable experience during their stay,” he said.

This much was acknowledged by NBA members. Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said he was familiar with the state over the years and it would be evil for anyone to deny the obvious transformations under Governor Mbah.

“I come to Enugu every year. So, I am not a stranger at all to Enugu State. It will be difficult for me to deny that I have not seen some groundbreaking projects. To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful, and I do not want to be a sinner,” he said.

Ozekhome wondered how Mbah was able to “do these great things in a highly politicised environment infested by political buccaneers, and in an environment where there is more politicking than governance.”

Another lawyer, Senator Dino Melaye, commended Mbah for emerging as a pacesetter in good governance in two years. “I am particularly and personally impressed with the governor of Enugu State because all these things have been done in two years. I only can see that you think out of the box,” he said.

Melaye couldn’t have said it better, with regard to “thinking out of the box”. The hosting of NBA AGC in Enugu successfully is part of the connecting dots of Governor Mbah’s economic vision. “Our vision is to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living. We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited,” he said. 

These words are not mere posturing. The lawyers who visited Enugu were simply awed by what they had experienced.

The post NBA, Enugu and a Conference Like No Other appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum

    North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum

     Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

    The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has applauded the Taraba State Green House popularly known as Cucumber Farm, and has expressed optimism that it would protect food security and settle the hunger crisis in the North-east and Nigeria at large. 

    While inaugurating the project during the summit of the North-east governors, the forum expressed worries about the shortage of food next year.

    A statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Digital Communications, to Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Emmanuel Bello, described the inauguration as something revolutionary that happened in Jalingo.

    He said the world-class technology will ensure that vegetables are cultivated all year round irrespective of climatic conditions.

    Describing the famous green pepper and tomatoes as world class and best in the Nigerian market, Bello revealed that experts who have attested to the healthy and nutritious stance of the vegetables, have concluded that the state has invariably become the headquarters of vegetables in the country. 

    Bello said, “Governor Agbu Kefas led other five governors to commission the remodelled Green House Farm. The locals are fond of calling the vast vegetable plantation the Cucumber Farm, but it is actually one of the best green houses in the country. 

    “The world-class technology ensures that vegetables are cultivated all year long irrespective of climatic conditions. Apart from the famous green pepper, the world-class tomatoes here are clearly the best in the market. Healthy, fleshy, and nutritious, experts say Taraba State has invariably become the headquarters of vegetables in the country. 

    “Moreover, at the forefront of the push are the duo of Ohad Shtilman and Eyal Tal, who are working with a brilliant team of the TSI to ensure the survival of the project. The group has obviously learnt from experience when the farm once collapsed. They are thus determined to deal with all the loopholes and run a successful enterprise.

    “Already, the market is surging with prospects as many buyers and sellers are lining up to take advantage of the business. Investors are also showing renewed interest in the deeply profitable venture.”

    Apart from Kefas, the host governor and Zulum, other governors in attendance were the four governors of the North-east namely Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, Bala Muhammed of Bauchi, Yahaya Inuwa of Gombe and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.

    The post North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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     Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has applauded the Taraba State Green House popularly known as Cucumber Farm, and has expressed optimism that it would protect food
    The post North-east: Taraba Green House Will Protect Food Security, Settle Hunger Crisis, Says Zulum appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

    Sokoto Provides Relief to Victims of Bandit Attacks 

    Sokoto Provides Relief to Victims of Bandit Attacks 

    Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

    The Sokoto State Government has disbursed N69,750,000 and 210 bags of rice to victims and families affected by recent bandit attacks in Kware and Gwadabawa local government areas.

    Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who led a condolence visit to the affected communities, described the attacks as “unfortunate and inhumane.”

    He urged the people to accept the incidents as an act ordained by Almighty Allah, while assuring them of his administration’s commitment to securing Sokoto State.

    The governor emphasised that his government will continue to support security agencies in their efforts to curb banditry. However, he expressed concern over the role of informants within local communities, which he identified as a major factor fuelling insecurity.

    The governor announced that each family of those killed would receive N2 million and five bags of rice, while each of the injured would get N250,000 and three bags of rice. A total of N69.75 million and 210 bags of rice were distributed across both local government areas.

    In their separate remarks, Deputy Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Kware, and House Leader, Hon. Bello Idris, expressed appreciation to the governor for the gesture, noting that it brought comfort to the bereaved and injured families.

    The condolence visit was attended by prominent figures, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Deputy Governor Idris Muhammed Gobir, and Minister for State Works, Barrister Bello Goronyo.

    “The Sokoto State government’s relief package is a testament to its commitment to supporting victims of insecurity and promoting peace and stability in the state.

    “As the state continues to grapple with the challenges of insecurity, the government’s efforts to provide relief and support to affected communities are crucial in promoting healing and rebuilding.

    “The people of Sokoto State can be assured that their government is working tirelessly to address the security challenges facing the state and to provide support to those affected by insecurity.”

    The post Sokoto Provides Relief to Victims of Bandit Attacks  appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto  The Sokoto State Government has disbursed N69,750,000 and 210 bags of rice to victims and families affected by recent bandit attacks in Kware and Gwadabawa local government areas. Governor Ahmed
    The post Sokoto Provides Relief to Victims of Bandit Attacks  appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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